Best used coupés

This latest BMW 4 Series is a coupé version of the ever-popular BMW 3 Series executive saloon, featuring a wider rear end, a stiffer body, and a lower centre of gravity. All of these features combine to make this one of the most rewarding cars to drive currently on sale.

In fact, all versions are great to drive. Even our favourite entry-level 420i is a hoot, while the range-topping 369bhp M440i is a six-cylinder riot of power and fun. It's in the corners that all 4 Series shine, with quick steering, plenty of grip and eager handling, despite which the ride is quite supple in all versions. It beats all rivals from Audi and Mercedes for sophistication.

It's reasonably spacious inside and very well-finished, too. On top of that, a three-year-old version of our favourite 420i model now comes with a healthy saving on what you'd pay for a new one, and its reliability is excellent. 

In our most recent 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey, the 4 Series finished second out of 12 cars in the coupe, convertible and sports car class with an overall score of 98.5%. It was only beaten by the Toyota GR Yaris with its exceptional 100% performance.

The 420i and 420d are your most affordable used 4 Series options, starting at around £23,000. The 430i and 430d demand around £24,000 and the M440d and M440i around £27,000. You'll need at least £27,000 to afford a 2023 or 2024 model (of any kind).

All in, then, a used 4 Series truly is a brilliant all-rounder. It deserves the top slot here. 

“The 4 Series’ seats are more heavily bolstered than those of some rivals, so they hold you in place better through corners. For keen drivers like me, that's a big bonus.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

We found: 2022 BMW 420i M Sport, 42,000 miles, £22,995

Read our full used BMW 4 Series review

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Over the years, the Audi TT has managed to fend off all competition that tries to match its winning combination of class, practicality and fine driving dynamics.

With sharp, agile handling, it's a joy to drive, and thanks to a class-leading interior and confidence-inspiring reliability, it's effortless to live with as well. There's a range of fine engines to choose from and well-equipped trims. 

 The reported problems are few. In our 2025 What Car? In the Reliability Survey, the TT finished sixth out of 12 cars in the coupés, convertibles, and sports cars category with a great score of 96.1%. In our previous survey, it even finished in the top slot with the same score.

Prices for the third-generation Audi TT currently start at around £8000. Be careful said car isn't something with lots of miles or a previous history of accident damage. Up the money to around £10,000 and you should find a clean 2016 or 2017 model. Expect to spend about £12,000 to £14,000 on a good 2018 or 2019 TT with minimal mileage bought from a main dealer and between £14,000 and £18,000 on a 2020 or 2021 model. Spend between £25,000 and £30,000 0n 2023 cars and a little more on the last 2024 models.

With prices starting so low for early TTs of this generation, it's simply a stellar buy and a terrific used coupé.

"It's the comfort of a TT that always impresses me. Yes, it's great to drive, good to own and reliable, but you can potter around town and it's still a lovely thing." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2022 Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Sport, 34,000 miles, £22,000

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Admittedly, this isn't the latest and greatest BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé model, which we heartily recommend too, but this previous iteration remains a great thing to behold, and it's much cheaper to buy.

It’s smooth and refined, and you can get it with rear or four-wheel drive, and with a large range of excellent engines. This highly desirable Gran Coupé version, with five doors, a hatchback rear and a decent-sized boot, is practical and even family-friendly. Add top-notch infotainment and superb value for money, and it's tough to beat. 

While the 4 Series Gran Coupé didn't feature in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, owners in previous surveys appreciated the car's robust mechanical performance. Some, however, did raise concerns about electrical issues, particularly with the car’s sensors and dashboard displays. 

Prices for an early 420d, either in SE or M Sport trim with high mileage, start at around £7000. If you up your budget to around £10,000, you’ll find plenty of petrol or diesel 4 Series Gran Coupés with an average mileage. Spend upwards of £10,000 on a good 2018 car, £12,000 on a 2019 one and above £14,000 on a 2020 model.

"My nephew has one. He loves it, and when two kids came along, he kept it. They all fit in well, and he turns his nose up at his friends in their SUVs." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2020 BMW 430i Gran Coupé M Sport auto, 79,000 miles, £12,995

Read our full used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé review

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Rather than being based on the contemporary BMW 1 Series hatchback, as its predecessor was, the current BMW 2 Series actually shares its underpinnings with its bigger brother and our favourite here, the 4 Series. 

Its closest rival for size in this list is the Mercedes CLA, which has four doors and front-wheel drive (as opposed to two doors and rear-wheel drive). That makes the CLA by far the more practical of the pair, but the 2 Series counters with a classier interior and sharper handling.

Step up to a used version of the truly impressive 4 Series if you can, but this 2 Series is still a cracking coupé and a great second-hand buy. Few can match it for driving pleasure. 

We don't have a lot of reliability data for the 2 Series, but a close relative of the 2 Series, the BMW 4 Series, finished in 3rd place out of 13 cars in the coupé, convertible and sports car category of the survey. It managed a score of 98.4%, which is better than the CLA (96.2%), the same as the TT, but below the 718 Cayman (99.3%).

Prices for a used BMW 2 Series Coupé start from £18,000 for early examples with low miles, either in 220i or 220d form. The more powerful 230i commands a premium over those cars, with prices starting from £20,000. For the M240i, prices jump up to around £25,000.

"The 2 Series condenses many of its 4 Series sibling's strengths into a smaller, more affordable package. I particularly like its user-friendly infotainment system." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

We found: 2022 BMW 220i Coupé M Sport auto, 35,000 miles, £18,495

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If you don't need four doors yet desire a suave and comfy four-seat coupé that’s good to drive and wears a premium badge, the Mercedes E-Class Coupé satisfies – and then some.

The design is sophisticated, with an understated elegance, and it shares its underpinnings with the contemporary 2016-2024 Mercedes E-Class saloon, which is a good thing, because that’s a very competent executive car. You can also expect good reliability and a classy interior.

There's plenty of room inside for four, and a good range of refined petrol and diesel engines to satisfy any mood. The E220d is punchy and economical, but if you prefer petrol, the E300 is a delightfully smooth shifter. 

The latest What Car? Reliability Survey didn't include the E-Class Coupé, but its saloon and estate counterparts did feature in the executive car section. They both did very well, finishing in fourth place out of 23 rivals, with a score of 97.3%.

You’ll need a budget of around £11,000 to get behind the wheel of this generation of E-Class Coupé. At that price, expect a higher-mileage 2017 or 2018 example, while lower-mileage cars of a similar age typically start from around £15,000. Prices for 2019 and 2020 models begin at roughly £15,000 for higher-mileage examples, rising to £17,000 or more for cars with lower mileage. Facelifted 2020 models command closer to £20,000, while 2021 and 2022 cars generally start from around £21,000. Later 2023 examples begin at approximately £30,000.

"In some ways, the E-Class has it all. It's good-looking, great to drive, comfortable and reliable. I especially love the interior. It's not as well made as it looks, maybe, but it is stunning." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2022 Mercedes E220d Coupé AMG Line, 68,000 miles, £24,995

Read our full used Mercedes E-Class Coupé review

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This two-door Audi A5 Coupé is a graceful grand tourer of a coupé, and few rivals can match its range of talents.

Treats include tidy handling, a smart interior, a comfortable ride and great performance. The Mercedes E-Class Coupé can seat four people too, but the Audi infotainment system is easier to operate. There's also a five-door version, the Audi A5 Sportback, which drives just as well and looks great and is perfect for families.

The A5 Coupé has proven itself to be a reliable car, according to our data. In our What Car? Reliability Survey, it ranked seventh out of 15 cars in the sports car category. Its reliability score of 94.9% means it's more reliable than the rival Mercedes E-Class Coupé, but less reliable than the Mercedes CLA and the brand's own Audi TT.

You can buy a used Audi A5 for around £10,000: that'll get you a respectable 2016/17 model. Up your budget to around £15,000 if you fancy a 2019/2020 car, then to around £20,000 for a 2023/2024 model.

The S5 starts at around £16,000, while the RS5 demands at least £20,000.

"So sharp looking, this car, and if you opt for the five-door Sportback, it's really practical. Not great for rear head room if you're 6ft 2in tall like me, though, and the Mercs beat it for reliability." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2022 Audi A5 Coupé 2.0 TFSI SE, 53,000 miles, £19,900

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If what you want is a big, luxurious, conventionally powered two-door grand tourer, cast a glance at this second-generation BMW 8 Series Coupé.

On its launch, BMW said it would offer the performance of a Porsche 911 mixed with the luxury of a Mercedes S-Class Coupé. That's a heady promise, and one that – if you're prepared to accept a little compromise here and there – it goes some way to achieving.

With a comfortable ride and strong performance, the BMW 8 Series is a good luxury coupé and a bit of an all-rounder. All versions are quick in a straight line, and there's more good news on winding roads, because this big grand tourer positively shrinks around you, aided by four-wheel steering. It’s certainly more fun for keen drivers than the S-Class Coupé and the Bentley Continental GT.

The BMW 8 Series didn't feature in our most recent reliability survey, but in the most recent one it did feature in, it finished in fourth place out of 15 cars in the sports, coupés, and convertibles class with an excellent overall score of 96.9%.

Prices for a used 8 Series start at around £23,000 for an early 840d. Up the ante to between £25,000 and £30,000 for a good 2021 or 2022 model, and between £30,000 and £35,000 for a 2024 car.

"I like the size of the 8 Series, not too big but just right for continental cruising. Give it a look. It's a really classy car and good value." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2019 BMW 840i M Sport, 80,500 miles, £24,250

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For years, those looking for the most refined, most technically advanced and the most pleasant car to drive, and in which to be driven, have beaten a path to Mercedes’ door to get themselves inside an S-Class saloon, the flagship of the German manufacturer’s range.

In fact, if ever a car has from time to time deserved the title of the best car in the world, it is universally agreed that this is the one. 

Cut it short and in two-door form, you have this wonderful coupe version of the previous-generation car, perfect for cutting a dash on your continental journey. With a choice of three engines: an 'entry-level' 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 in the S560, an AMG-tuned 4.0-litre V8 in the raucous AMG S63 and a mighty 6.0-litre turbocharged V12 in the range-topping AMG S65.

On the road, this large and opulent coupe is a delight. It corners brilliantly, too, considering its size and weight, with plenty of grip and safe handling that borders on fun.

Reliability has been a little mixed of late, and the S-Class didn’t feature in our most recent survey. However, the latest E-Class and the C-Class all did well in their respective groups, finishing 12th and 8th, respectively.

"This generation really brought sparkle and even more polish to the S-Class. It's much better to drive than earlier models and it is supremely refined. My neighbours were really impressed by it, too." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2018 Mercedes S-Class Coupe S400 AMG Line Executive, 81,000 miles, £25,995

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The second-generation, five-door Audi A7 is a beautifully made and comfortable cruiser with a surprising amount of space inside for front and rear occupants.

That space continues when it comes to the A7 Sportback's boot. With a healthy capacity, it's bigger than that of most of its rivals, including the huge BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé; the A7 also has a wide hatchback tailgate, making it easier to load in larger items.

Behind the wheel, the A7 is competent rather than great fun to drive. There's also a question mark over Audi's reliability, especially relating to non-engine electrics. However, its used prices are highly attractive, as is its looks. 

The Audi A7 didn't feature as a standalone model in our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey. Our past surveys would suggest mixed reports, with it performing well in some years and not in others.

Owners mentioned intermittent electrical issues, including problems with the car’s central screen and driver assistance systems. In some cases, warning lights appeared without a clear explanation, leading to frustration and uncertainty about the underlying fault. While some owners reported prompt dealer assistance, others expressed disappointment with the standard of aftercare. Audi, as a brand, has struggled with reliability, often finishing down the table. 

Prices for a used A7 at the time of writing start at £18,000 for a 2018 model. Spend between £18,000 and £22,000 on a good car from 2019 or 2020, £22,000 to £26,000 on a 2021 or 2022 model, £26,000 or more on a 2023 or 2024 car.

“I think it's annoying that you have to use a touchscreen to control so many things in the later versions of the Audi A7, but at least it gets its own dedicated display.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

We found: 2022 Audi A7 2.0 TFSI 45 Black Edition, 33,000 miles, £22,500

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 The Aston Martin DB11 was launched in 2016, taking over as the brand's flagship grand touring coupé from the Aston Martin DB9 that came before it. It was an all-new car that promised a return to form for the brand, although one or two quality control issues and slow sales initially tempered the enthusiasm that surrounded its launch.

Now, though, it looks like a very attractive used buy, with prices well under half what the car cost new. Under its bonnet sits a choice of either a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 or a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12. The former produces a mighty 503bhp, meaning it'll be fast enough for most. If not, then the 600bhp of the V12 will do the trick. As of 2019, this engine became available solely in the AMR (Aston Martin Racing) version with 630bhp.

On the road, it’s fair to say this car marked a return to form for Aston. The two engine choices both sound glorious, and it responds to the pedal with either unit with alacrity. It’s fast and fun, and oddly, as it’s the cheaper version, the V8 is the most entertaining. That’s because it’s lighter than the V12, and lightness is golden when it comes to handling.

Prices for the earliest DB11s start off at around £56,000, this for a car with a low to average mileage for the year, bought from an independent dealer. Up this to between £60,000 and £70,000 for a 2018 or 2019 car with an average mileage for the year and a full service history. You'll need at least £80,000 for a 2020 or 2021 example, with the last 2022 and 2023 cars going for anything up to £100,000.

The days of loyal Aston Martin customers being prepared to forgive the cars for their reliability problems are long gone. In the modern world, even British-built supercars have to be reliable. Happily, Aston Martin responded to the challenge with an ever-improving reliability record.

So far, the DB11 has a good record, although there have been one or two reports of cars either having trouble starting or refusing to start altogether; owners do report issues with the electrics, especially relating to the sat-nav and air-con. Interior build quality on the DB11 is better than any Aston, so you shouldn't experience any problems with loose trim

"Very few cars exude the class of the DB11. It always feels to me the equal of any Italian GT, and in some ways it's almost better to drive." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2018 Aston Martin DB11 V8, 47,000 miles, £59,500

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